Murray's Cheese Shop

254 Bleecker StNew York, NY 10014

Murray's is Mecca for cheese worshipers. The huge, visually stimulating market has walls lined with some of the most incomparable fromage in the city, convincing you that cheese is a necessary addition to any part and every meal of your day.

It's no secret to my friends that if I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be cheese. And so, if I had to shop at one market for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be Murray's. While I would be very content just sampling their unfathomable selection of cheeses and crackers, Murray's also has high quality offerings of artisanal meats, oils, pastas, chocolates, and olives to boot.

One of my favorite options at Murray's are the pre-packaged cheese trays by the front window like the Dutch (or French) Cheese for Two, which includes two hearty selections of cheese, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers for $12-14. Besides the melt counter that serves up what amounts to a superb grilled cheese, there are several "heat and eat" options in the store that make great take-away lunches or dinners as well (I'm partial to the Murray's Mac and Cheese that can again be found by the entrance). With so many stunningly cultured options at this impeccable fromagerie, there's no excuse to not make a weekly pilgrimage to experience them all.